Sara Ney

A fun and upbeat college romance
5 stars

Gah - I do so love getting my hands on a new Sara Ney - especially when it’s potentially the start of a new series. And our story is exactly the kind she excels at; two college students, neighbours and complete opposites, bantering and fumbling their way to love.

I suspect that Sara Ney will be something of a marmite author - you’ll either love her style or you’ll hate it. It’s definitely unique as there’s almost a stream of consciousness for her characters as we hear their thoughts, including every random thing that comes to mind. I love it as it really gets me into the heads of our characters and doubly, it makes me laugh. She’s got a refreshing style that I can’t get enough of.

Lizzy is our heroine. She’s a junior in college and is having something of a bad day. Just out of the shower, she’s accosted by a squirrel in her bedroom which throws her into the path of neighbour and collegiate hockey player, Brodie. I’m always a fan of “real” women in my romance novels and Lizzy definitely came across as someone both likeable and relatable. She’s equally sassy and unsure and I loved the way she was slightly nervous around Brodie.

But king of the nervous and awkward definitely goes to Brodie. Who knew I was such a sucker for a shy, introverted and floundering hero? He is so frickin’ adorable. He’s liked Lizzy since he saw her but due to a number of reasons, he was never going to make a move. He overthinks the overthinking and man, can I relate to that. There was just something so endearing about Brodie but he never came across as pathetic or weak. I just wanted him to get his girl without getting in his own way - which thankfully he did in the end.

I really liked our couple as a pairing. They were cute, slightly awkward and had great chemistry both as friends and then as something more. The text message exchanges were a nice touch and an easy way to get into the minds of our characters.

The side characters were a nice addition to the story, too. Lizzy’s roommates, Bethany and Jill, were tons of fun and Brodie’s roommate, Sully, was a man very much in need of his own book and happily ever after. Here’s hoping.

And of course we have the squirrel. That squirrel gave me some of the biggest laughs of a book where I actually did laugh out loud. The squirrel epilogue was ridiculous but I’m not mad - especially as there’s a download to another, human, epilogue which toasted my marshmallows nice and good.

The worst thing about a Sara Ney book is surely the way that it sticks with you after you’ve finished and you forget that the book is over and there’s no more to read. I just couldn’t get enough of this story, these characters, that damn squirrel. This book really uplifted me and made me happy. No doubt it’s a 5 star read.… (more)

Can I just call dibs on Abe? Abe was a sweet sweet but sexy guy. He did everything for his friends and expected nothing in return. He wanted a serious relationship that meant something to him. He was a like a sexy unicorn, can’t find that in everyday life. Skylar was funny and I respected the crap out of her morals, she knew what she wanted and what she didn’t and never waivered. Hannah cracked me up she was the absolute best best friend and JB was a true douchebag but I’m kind of hoping he gets a story and redeems himself. I cannot wait for Hannah’s story. This book was amazing and Abe and Skylar deserve each other.… (more)

I absolutely adored this book, Charlie and Jackson had the perfect banter and even if at first she resisted they had amazing chemistry. Jackson was so perfect and as a Southern myself I did think the author perfected his accent even if it did get annoying when Charlie would make fun of it or keep repeating what he said. Charlie was awesome, she didn't take any crap from anyone and it was funny how she pretty much hated Jackson but then he kept at her until he weaseled his way into her life and she loved it. They became friends after a few heated exchanges, Jackson is one hundred percent focused on football never straying from his plan so he hasn't ever dated or anything. I really loved his character because it was a breath of fresh air yes he was a jock but the author made his character perfectly. Overall my favorite read so far.… (more)